Age-related changes in gingival blood flow parameters measured using laser speckle flowmetry

Publication date: Available online 27 October 2018Source: Microvascular ResearchAuthor(s): Yuko Ohsugi, Yoshinao Nagashima, Susumu Nakatsu, Kayo Sato, Atsuko Chiba, Hidetake Fujinaka, Yoshitaka Yano, Yoshifumi NikiAbstractPrevious studies have suggested a possible relationship between age-related changes to human gingival hemodynamics and periodontal disease. However, firmly establishing this has been difficult because of a lack of suitable tools. Our study investigated whether a non-invasive laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG)-based 2-dimensional technique could be used to assess maxillary anterior gingival blood flow under resting conditions. In total, 124 healthy male volunteers aged between 22 and 69 years were included in the study and delineated into young (Y; 22–37 years, n = 45), middle-aged (M; 38–53 years, n = 43), and elderly groups (E; 54–69 years, n = 36). The differences in gingival hemodynamics were compared among age groups and pulse waveform analysis performed to calculate blood flow indices, mean blur rate (MBR), gingival vascular conductance (MBR/mean blood pressure [MBP]), and three pulse waveform parameters (acceleration time index [ATI], falling rate, and blowout time [BOT]). Although no statistically significant differences were observed in the MBR of the three age groups, vascular conductance (MBR/MBP) was lower in groups M and E compared to group Y and correlated negatively with age. ATI and falling rates were also significantly ...
Source: Microvascular Research - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research